Assessment System
Students are evaluated based on their performance on specified College Readiness and Common Core Standards. This standards-based system has five levels: Exemplary, High Performance, Proficient, Emerging, and Not Proficient. No Evidence will only be used as an indicator for assignments. The language of our assessment system is reflective of our grading policy. Grades will be determined by the number of points earned out of the total number of points possible.
Exemplary (EX = 90-100): Student’s work exceeds expectations and student consistently performs at a mastery level; student’s work deserves imitation because of excellence and serves as a clear example of what is expected from the lesson, assignment, assessment, and overall coursework standards.
High Performance (HP = 80-89): Implies extraordinary proficiency; has great knowledge of the content; has thorough competence from consistent practice and demonstration of standards.
Proficient (P=70-79): Student has demonstrated that she understands this concept and can reliably demonstrate the expected standards.
Emerging (E=60-69): Student is showing some understanding of the skill, but not at a level that demonstrates proficiency of standards.
Not Proficient (NP = 1-59): Student has attempted to complete work, but does not demonstrate any comprehension of standards.
No Evidence (NE = 0): Student has no documentation or has turned in no work.
Because Young Women’s Leadership Charter School has set very high standards and expectations for our students, it is necessary to hold them accountable for their responsibilities as students in a college preparatory environment. While many students may need to work on a standard repeatedly before mastering that standard, it is imperative that all students comply with the timelines set by the teachers and administration of YWLCS. If a student receives a grade that is lower than Proficient, it is the teacher’s and administrator’s discretion on the time allotted for make-up work.
Homework Policy
School work done outside of the classroom period is necessary and valuable. It assists students becoming confident, independent learners and “leaders.” Completing homework maintains the integrity of the classroom and is mandatory in a rigorous, college-preparatory environment.
It is imperative that students complete their homework assignments carefully, honestly, and on time. Students are expected to thoroughly complete the work that teachers consider important. Students and parents/guardians must strive to eliminate distractions, have a personal area for study, and set aside time on a regular, daily basis for completing homework.
Promotion and Graduation Requirements
In order to pass any class, a student must be able to demonstrate that she is either proficient or high performing in at least 70% of the outcomes for that class.
Promotion from each grade to the next is based on an increasing level of proficiency. High school students must also accumulate enough credits to be eligible for promotion. The number of credits required corresponds to the requirements for all Chicago Public Schools.
To be promoted from 7th grade to 8th grade, a student must have an overall standing of proficient or better in 60% of all outcomes. The standard increases at each grade, so that in order to graduate, a student must have demonstrated proficiency or high performance in 85% of all the outcomes for which she has been evaluated.